The strike, which began at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, has spread to Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Kisumu International Airport, and Eldoret International Airport. Workers are demanding answers about an upgrade deal between the Indian company Adani and the Kenyan government.
On Wednesday, JKIA was overwhelmed with long lines and delays. Travelers were seen waiting for hours without much information, leading to widespread frustration. Many flights were delayed or canceled, causing significant inconvenience for passengers.
One traveler, a white man, shared his concerns about the strike. He worried that the ongoing delays might lead to personal problems at home.
“We are here suffering; my flight is delayed, and I might miss my wife. She could possibly divorce me because of this,” he said.
Another traveler expressed disappointment, stating, “We’ve been waiting for over three hours without any updates. We have important commitments.”
A female passenger who was returning to the Netherlands for a funeral also shared her stressful experience, describing the overwhelming crowd and long wait to get through security.
The situation was not limited to individual travelers. The Zimbabwean men’s football team, who had been playing in Uganda as part of an African Cup of Nations qualifier, also found themselves stranded in Nairobi due to the strike.
Airport workers have justified their actions by saying they are protesting to protect their jobs and seek transparency about the Adani deal.
“We are protesting to protect our jobs and avoid another form of colonization,” said a worker from Moi International Airport. Another employee expressed frustration over the lack of information, saying, “We haven’t seen the documents related to the deal. It would be better if Adani himself came here to explain what is happening.”
The strike is centered around the upgrade agreement between Adani and the Kenyan government. Workers are demanding to see the terms of this agreement, which they believe will affect their jobs and working conditions.
The Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union had previously warned of the strike due to the government’s failure to disclose details about the deal.
The strike has not only caused travel disruptions but has also highlighted broader concerns among airport workers about their future and the lack of transparency from the government and Adani.
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